Monthly Archives: August 2013

Readers are Leaders

If there is anything that I know for sure, is that people who read books tend to have a far broader understanding of society. Likely it is because the authors of the books that they read give views from different angles due to their perceptions and perspectives. Those who read well written novels, always seem to be able to cut to the chase of a con … continue reading

Everybody Needs a Friend

Of all the continued studies of the interaction of humans with animals, it never ceases to amaze me the effects of animals on humans as well as humans on animals. When I was growing up on the farm and surrounded by numerous animals, there seemed for me at such an early age, a feeling of community. There were different ideas, different needs and wan … continue reading

As Good as it Gets

Holtz Realty has for sale an extremely well built and completely updated condo on the east side of Mason City that is truly one of the best that I have seen in a very long time. As I mentioned before, there are hundreds of homes that I have previewed and it takes quite a bit to impress me. Of the features that impress me to begin with, is the quali … continue reading

Raising the Bar

I had an unfortunate confrontation at the office this morning that later caused me to remember an essay that I read several years ago about how people teach themselves to get what they want in a bad way. I'm sure you've all heard the expression, “The wheel that squeaks the most gets the grease.” Well, there is another part to the euphemistic s … continue reading

Baby steps

Early each morning when driving downtown, I pay special attention to the problem areas as well as the improved areas. I find green areas of the downtown and private properties that evidently the people who maintain them don't know the difference between designated shrubs and blooming weeds and volunteer trees. I also pay special attention to impro … continue reading

A soft Landing

Rarely do I have an opportunity to list a residence that gives me an immediate feeling of comfort when I walk in the front door. I had this “feeling” this afternoon when I listed a condo on Briarstone Lake. Besides the normal condo features, it has sliding doors that walk out to a private covered patio overlooking Briarstone Lake. Even the pati … continue reading

Lasting Effects

Here we are over half way thru the year of 2013 and the real estate market here in North Iowa and Mason City are experiencing the continued arrival on the market of foreclosed homes and sellers who are upside down on their mortgages. I will never forget the day likely in the year 2005 when I spoke with a mortgage banker and shook my finger and said … continue reading

Tending One’s Garden

More times than I can remember, there have been people with whom I have crossed paths with that seem to make it the center of their existence to be more concerned about what their friends and families should or shouldn't be doing rather than paying more attention to the health and welfare of their own lives. I remember a client from so many years a … continue reading

Making Do

Over these past ten years I have discovered a real change in home buying habits—especially the first time buyers. Years and years of sales from the beginning of my career in real estate was spent selling homes to entry level buyers. They purchased what they could comfortably afford. No, the homes were not perfect by any means but they were solidl … continue reading

Creating Sanctuary

Meeting with a seller today and after a great conversation, I was reminded of how many times in selling homes to buyers, I have mentioned how a home should be put to work in creating function and comfort. Being as jaded as I am in viewing so terribly many homes, I have come to a point where I don't look at what is there, especially if the home is f … continue reading